Hockey Update 23 May 2018

Railway Representing

We have had a number of Railway members representing their country and province over the last two weeks in international and provincial tournaments. Congratulations to Ian O’Keefe and the Irish Over 60s who finished 2nd in their Four Nations Tournament. They came close to winning the tournament, winning their opening game 3-0 to Wales and Saturday‘s game 2-0 to Scotland but narrowly lost to England 2-1 in their final game. Well done also to the Irish Over 65s who finished 2nd in the Grand Masters Four Nations Tournament. Brendan Smyth netted his first international goal against Scotland on Saturdaysecuring Ireland’s 2-1 win. Ireland won their final match on Sunday 1-0 against Wales. Rob Abbot and former Men’s coach and player Dave Bane who played for Leinster Over 35s beating Munster and Ulster at the weekend.

Get Railblazers’ To Barcelona

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far to help us get Railblazers’ (Railways team for children with intellectual disabilities) to travel to Barcelona in June to take part in a European Hockey Tournament for children with intellectual disabilities as part of the Irish team. The Irish squad have now had two training sessions together in Three Rock Rovers in preparation for their tournament. There is great excitement and anticipation about their upcoming trip from all involved. Our fundraising page is still open so for anybody who has not yet had the chance to donate please do and share with friends and family.

FIH International Umpire

Congratulations to Rob Abbot on being upgraded to an FIH International List of Umpires (indoor) and umpiring Ireland Senior Men’s team this week when they took on Germany.

Junior Interprovincial Tournament

Congratulations to Lorenzo de la Corte who represented Leinster at the Men’s Junior Interpro’s. Congratulations also to Sabine Haller who represented Leinster at the Women’s Junior Interpro’s and finished as tournament winners!

Irish Sporting History

It was a week of record breaking for former Railway hockey player Kevin O’Brien who was presented with a special golden cap to mark becoming the first ever Irish sportsman to reach 300 caps. He also succeeded in scoring Ireland’s first ever Test century in what became a nail biting inaugural test match for Ireland V Pakistan. All the more special to achieve all of this with your brother (and also former Railway hockey player) Niall O Brien playing by your side. Congratulations Niall and Kevin from all at Railway.